Who wants to help me pick a resort for November? - YC, BC, BWI

[JulieODC]

We're tentatively planning a trip for Nov 10-16 - it will be me, DH, and DD (she'll be 26 months at the time).

We're huge WL fans - but are thinking about mixing it up this time!

We'd love to be walking distance to Epcot and DHS - less bus time, better access to restaurants in the evening. We definitely want a balcony, so we can relax with some adult beverages after DD goes to bed.

So, based on this, I'm thinking YC, BC, or BWI. What would you choose?

Is a lagoon/boardwalk view worth the extra expense? Any view guarantee us a view of fireworks?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I have stayed at all 3 in the past couple of years.

If you definitely want a balcony then cross BC of the list. There are many rooms there that do not have sitting balconies.

I honestly don't remember if there are any firework view rooms at any of them but I remember sort of being able to see Illuminations from BWI CL lounge. Hopefully someone else will chime in on that soon.

My personal preference of the 3 resorts is YC. The sandy shallow area of SAB would probably be a big hit with your little one.

BWI was nice and I liked the room decor very much. But having to share the bus with Swan and Dolphin each and every time (and sometimes they throw YC & BC in for good measure) drove me crazy. I wouldn't stay there again without a rental car. Also, I don't recall the feature pool having a zero entry, but the kiddie pool is right next to the feature pool.

 

[bowbat]

We're tentatively planning a trip for Nov 10-16 - it will be me, DH, and DD (she'll be 26 months at the time).

We're huge WL fans - but are thinking about mixing it up this time!

We'd love to be walking distance to Epcot and DHS - less bus time, better access to restaurants in the evening. We definitely want a balcony, so we can relax with some adult beverages after DD goes to bed.

So, based on this, I'm thinking YC, BC, or BWI. What would you choose?

Is a lagoon/boardwalk view worth the extra expense? Any view guarantee us a view of fireworks?

We stayed at BWI last November and loved it. Easy walk to Epcot, we enjoyed the boat to DHS, and, though they shared buses with Swan/Dolphin, they were quick and never crowded (low crowds when we went). My son (then age 6) loved all the entertainment on the Boardwalk, and I loved the look/size of the rooms and how friendly the CMs were. We stayed CL and had a standard room that overlooked the back gardens. We could see the Eiffel Tower and Illuminations from our balcony. The view of the Boardwalk is probably (arguably) nicer but I don't believe you can see fireworks from there.

Didn't go in the pool, so I can't comment on that aspect.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Epcot resorts, though, and in fact we plan on trying YC next.

 

[Pakey]

I have stayed at all 3. I did BC in late 2011, did YC and BWI (twice) in 2012.

I like BWI the most, then YC and BC. The lack of guaranteed balcony at BC bothers me; otherwise I'd put it ahead of YC.

I think the boardwalk view at BWI is worth it. I stayed there for a week in October and a week in December. We had boardwalk view in October and we spent a lot of time sitting out on the balcony. In December, I didn't have it and missed it.

There isn't going to be anywhere that will give you a great view of the fireworks. Yes, you can see them from the BWI club level lounge but that requires you to stay club level and the view is not spectacular. The club level there is pretty nice though, much nicer than at BC/YC in my opinion.

BC is the only one of the 3 that has counter service breakfast options without walking outside. The BC Marketplace is small with limited options but it's the best offerings out of the 3 resorts if that makes a difference to you.

 

[mmmears]

My personal preference of the 3 resorts is YC. The sandy shallow area of SAB would probably be a big hit with your little one.

I totally agree. There is lots of room for sand play and it's not at all deep. People forget about this huge part of SAB -- it's really ideal for toddlers.

BC/YC are parts of the same resort. If the balcony really matters, book YC so you won't have to worry about not getting it.

We've been able to see some of the high fireworks from our room at the YC once... really can't see much since Illuminations is mostly done very low, below the tree line.

As for view, if you plan to spend lots of time out on the balcony, it's a nice view to look across the lagoon over to the BWI and watch the boats going by. Nice, but definitely not necessary (or amazing).

Hope this helps!

 

[osugal]

My favorite is BC by far. Especially for little kids. I like the resort, pool, and location. It's a 5 minute walk to Epcot. They're all close and have great locations but I prefer BC.

 

[JulieODC]

Thanks for the input!

I think we'll take BC off the list - the balcony is high priority! And then, I'll book one - and keep an eye on discounts and let that help me make a final decision.